Darby, our 3-year old Corgi, has been shaking his head a lot
lately. Our vet looked in his ears and said they are clean.
They don’t even look red or inflamed. He wants us to see a
specialist, because he says it might be a nerve problem. How
serious can this be?
Q: Darby, our 3-year old Corgi, has been shaking his head a lot lately. Our vet looked in his ears and said they are clean.
They don’t even look red or inflamed. He wants us to see a specialist, because he says it might be a nerve problem. How serious can this be?
A:
It’s hard to know for sure, but there are several possible reasons for Darby’s continual shake. Certainly the most common cause is infection or discomfort in the ear. An infection may be difficult to see with a routine examination, even when an otoscope is used. For example, if the inner ear behind the eardrum is inflamed, the vet might not see anything during an exam. Presumably, your veterinarian looked in Darby’s mouth to check for a tooth abscess or other dental problem.
But here’s another possibility … Darby may have a behavioral problem. That’s right. Some dogs shake their head as a symptom of an obsessive/compulsive behavior pattern. Others do it to get attention from their owner. This can be deceptive and a clever dog can really manipulate his owner acting this way. So watch Darby to see when he does this. Does he ever shake his head when he’s in bed alone? Does he tilt his head at all? Does he ever scratch at his ears with his feet? If you answer no to all these questions, it just might be that your little Corgi is trying a new method to command your love and attention. Or he may have some other behavioral quirk. Talk to your vet. He or she may have a behaviorist in mind as that specialist they suggested.
Q:
Wee Willie is our beagle puppy. He was the runt of his litter and is still a lot smaller than any of his brothers or sisters. But he’s super active and playful and never tires out. One thing, though. He gets the hiccups all the time. Is this a sign of a health problem? They seem to happen every day at least once, but they go away after a few minutes.
A:
Hiccups are a normal occurrence in many pups. They come from a spasm of the diaphragm, but the exact reason for this isn’t clear. Usually, hiccups aren’t a sign of a health problem, and they disappear as puppies grow up. So as long as these episodes are short, and Willie is otherwise a normal active little guy, I see no reason to worry. Hiccups are one of those “cute little things” that puppies do. By the way, I have an idea. Take a video of Wee Willie. Once he grows out of his puppy stage, his hiccups will otherwise be just a faded memory.
Q:
Lester the Jester, our cat, has been coughing a lot lately. Once in a while he even seems to bring up some hair with yellow foam in it, presumably some bile. I remember you saying that these symptoms are usually caused by a stomach hairball, but I can’t remember what you recommended for treating this condition. What should I do?
A:
First, let’s make sure that Lester is otherwise healthy. If he isn’t feeling 100 percent normal, have him evaluated by his veterinarian. “Hairballs” are one of the most common causes for a cough. But coughing can be a symptom of other problems, some of which are very serious.
Hair in the stomach is such a common problem in kitty-cats, and it’s usually very easy to treat. The secret is lubrication, and mineral oil is the best product for the job. For an average size cat, one or two eyedroppers of mineral oil by mouth will usually do the trick. Corn oil and other vegetable oils aren’t as effective, because they’re absorbed from the intestinal tract. Mineral oil, on the other hand, passes undigested and makes everything in the stomach and intestines slide on through. One treatment is usually all it takes to make things right. Mineral oil is available over the counter in most grocery stores or drug stores. So try treating Lester the Jester. I’m sure he doesn’t think his cough is any laughing matter. So some relief will he welcome to him.
Q:
What’s the average life expectancy for a cockatoo? My friend says they sometimes live 50 to 60 years. That can’t be right, can it?
A:
Your friend’s right on this one. Mollucan cockatoos can live 50 to 65 years; almost as long as some people. Many of these birds outlive their human companions. That’s why so many people that have one of these birds make arrangements for their care in a Will or Living Trust.
